New McDonald's Dollar Menu possible next year

NEW YORK - McDonald's Corp. says a revamped version of its Dollar Menu that includes items priced at $5 could be launched nationally this year.

NEW YORK — McDonald’s Corp. says a revamped version of its Dollar Menu that includes items priced at $5 could be launched nationally this year.

The world’s biggest hamburger chain says it has been testing versions of its famous value menu that’s called “Dollar Menu & More” in five markets across the country. The company noted that no official changes have yet been made to its current Dollar Menu, which was introduced more than a decade ago. The independent franchisees that run the company’s more than 14,000 U.S. locations would need to approve the change, said Neil Golden, chief marketing officer for McDonald’s.

Golden said that the results from the tests have been positive and the company is in the process of sharing the information with franchisees. In order to be approved, at least 75 percent of the company’s 180 marketing cooperatives across the country would need to vote for it.

The Dollar Menu & More that was tested has three price points —$1, $2 and $5 or “shareable” items such as 20-piece McNuggets. Another version that was tested has prices of $1, $1.79 and $4.99. The menu includes more chicken items, as well as versions of its burgers that come with an extra beef patty or toppings such as bacon.

Golden declined to provide specifics, but said the menu provided “a broader range of profitability” for restaurants.